7^th Grade Science is designed to expose students to many facets of the natural world through science and engineering practices. Students will utilize science and engineering practices to identify and solve problems, apply critical thinking skills to everyday situations, work cooperatively to achieve common goals, make connections between science concepts and current events, connect science and technology using computers and laboratory equipment, make scientific connections through the writing process, and see how different sciences are dependent on each other. Communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking are important skills in science as they are in life, so projects may include designing and building models, oral and/or written reports, and group work.